"In 2012, 354 organ donors gave 1,052 Australians a new chance in life. The number of organ donors and transplant recipients in 2012 was the highest since national records began.

and

The majority of Australians are generally willing to become organ (80%) and tissue (78%) donors. Only around 1% of people actually die in
hospital in the specific circumstances where organ donation is possible.
The circumstances in which you can become a tissue donor are less
limited. In Australia the family will always be asked to confirm the donation wishes of the deceased before donation can proceed. In Australia less than 60% of families give consent for organ and tissue donation to proceed. The most important thing that helps a family's decision is their knowing the wishes of their loved one."

As at 31 December 2012, just over 1 Million Australians had registered their decision to become an organ donor. You can view the registration statistics on the Medicare website.

Around 1600 people are on Australian organ transplant waiting lists.

♥

Until recently, my beautiful friend Camille was on that transplant waiting list, desperate for new lungs. She is in her 30s, so very talented, and lived life to the fullest that she could, with chronic lung disease and being restricted by the waiting list. She was given the gift of life from an incredibly generous donor, with their family's permission.

I can't imagine what Cam went through while waiting for her new lungs. She is the bravest, least complaining person I know. I saw her frustration at times, and wished that she'd get the call soon.

After she got the call from the donor coordinator, she texted me in the middle of the night, to tell me she was on her way to hospital. "Fingers crossed, I love you" I wrote back. The day was long - I checked in with her sister for news every few hours. Her own wait must have been tumultuous.

Her recovery will be long, but my gosh I've seen progress. I went to visit her two weekends ago. She was in high spirits, talking a mile a minute. I am so happy she's here.We took some photos of ourselves together - the first we have taken in our three year friendship. Because we are too busy taking pictures of food.

I gave her some presents- a toy cat and some art supplies and nail polish, because now she can paint her nails! Look at the colour in her cheeks! Isn't she beautiful!

She's made considerable progress since my first vist. She's now able to breathe without the assistance of oxygen.

I said to Camille, I met her because of her old lungs. She and I both write for the disability website Divine. I tracked her down on Facebook after I read her article about being a blogger. And we became friends. The first time I met her in person she was in hospital too. I also said to her that her new lungs will enable us to share laughs and cake for years to come.

Cam has a pinboard next to her bed in the hospital ward. It's filled with pictures from her nephews, cards and pretty coloured paper. There's also a list of things she will do now she's got new lungs. Ride a bike. Walk. Go on a holiday. Shoot hoops. The things that most people take for granted. I added to that list. See bands with Carly.

And we will. I can't wait.

Camille is a huge INXS fan
and I can't help think how apt the line "we all have wings, but some of
us don't know why" is to her situation. I am so grateful to her donor
and their family.

♥

Please consider registering your decision to become an organ or tissue donor. Those on the waiting list need the gift of life. They're someone's daughter, someone's sister, someone's friend. My friend. It's the most loving thing you can do for a stranger.

There's a little competition for Donate Life Week called FilmLife. Now Camille is recovering from her transplant, I've been appointed a judge of the competion. You may want to enter, or know someone who is eligible to enter.

FilmLIfe project is using creativity to spark vital conversations
about organ and tissue donation in young people. Using filmmaking and
blogging to create awareness provides a fresh approach to this life
saving social issue.

The deadline for all film submissions is midnight on 25 March. Winners
will be announced at the FilmLife Festival official screening on 13 April.

Awards will be given for the Best Film, Best Interpretation of the Theme
and the People’s Choice award. Filmmakers get national exposure for their work
through the DonateLife network and be in the running for great prizes including
the Canon 5D and over $2500 in prizes. This we will also have a prize for the
best blog in our Blogging challenge.

4 comments:

This is such an important topic Carly, thank you for writing this.Camille sounds amazing, it's so wonderful to hear that she has new lungs.

I've looked after patients that have ended up being organ donors, unfortunately the conversations have all happened literally at the 9th hour. The families I've noticed have had a sense of resolution from their tragedy which is a beautiful thing.

Hey Mez thank you for commenting and sharing my post and your story of your patients.Must be a hard, yet possibly resolute decision as you say. A friend's brother was a donor and he saved many lives. It helped with their grieving and healing I think.

Thank you so much for writing this Carly. It's really opened my eyes on how much most of us take for granted, myself included. I remember you talking about Camille during our visit and I remember the beautiful bag she made for you. I hope she not only continues her artwork, but embarks on a whole new whirlwind of adventure! Congrats Camille! And to Carly, you're a wonderful friend. Can't wait to see you again someday and meet Camille myself.

Thank you so much for writing this Carly. It's really opened my eyes on how much most of us take for granted, myself included. I remember you talking about Camille during our visit and I remember the beautiful bag she made for you. I hope she not only continues her artwork, but embarks on a whole new whirlwind of adventure! Congrats Camille! And to Carly, you're a wonderful friend. Can't wait to see you again someday and meet Camille myself.

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The material on Tune into Radio Carly is copyright.The writing in this blog is by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated.Most photos in this blog are by Carly Findlay unless otherwise stated.Please do not reproduce without permission from Carly Findlay.

This blog represents my personal opinions and experiences. It does not reflect those of my employers'.The information I provide about ichthyosis is mostly based on personal experiences. Please seek medical advice or counseling before trying any new treatments I've written about.